Wood Street Fair (2015)
Wood Street
Burlington, NJ 08016
First Saturday in September - 9:00am-4:00pm
$150 - 10’x15’ space
Wood Street Fair is not a “street fair” – it is held on Wood, High and West Union Streets as well as Riverbank Avenue in Burlington, NJ. This show is juried and requires four photographs to be sent along with the application. The Colonial Burlington Foundation, a non-profit organization for the historic preservation of the Revell House, sponsors this 45th Annual Wood Street Fair. This event features 150+ exhibitions of fine crafts, arts, antiques and collectibles. Many not-for-profit community groups have booths located in between the artists/crafters/sellers.
The space we had this year allowed us to park our vehicle and cargo trailer right behind our booth – a definite plus! However, even when this is not possible, loading/unloading is not an issue and there is plenty of parking for sellers – even those with cargo trailers. Food vendors have all the usual type of fares. Sellers could purchase their morning coffee and breakfast from them.
Parking and admission are free for buyers. Portable toilets were available in several areas with hand washing facilities. The scouts go around with coolers on wheels selling drinks – great idea and wonderful opportunity for a fundraiser without approaching sellers. The young people of one non-profit organization approached sellers asking us to purchase coffee mugs.
Art and craft displays are judged in the following categories: ceramics, fine crafts, dolls and bears, hand painted, jewelry, fiber, floral, rood, mixed media and fine art. Starting early (8:00?), the judges came around to ask the artists/crafters questions, to review their work and to make sure there was no buy sell. Judges awarded points in the areas of quality, uniqueness and display appearance. Extra points were awarded for costume and/or demonstration of a craft. Unless the sellers went around looking for ribbons (that may or may not have been on display), there was no notification of what sellers were awarded prizes in their categories.
We suspect the threat of afternoon rain and thunderstorms might have been an obstacle to a financially successful day (it actually did not rain). Last year, we thought it might be the 100+ degree heat that kept buyers away. It is our experience that Wood Street Fair buyers seem to seek out lower priced items – our highest single sale item was $22 (our price points are between $4 - $1,200). Neighboring exhibitors all complained of lower than usual sales. Our immediate booth neighbor has been exhibiting at Wood Street Fair for years and shared her experience of rising registration fees and less sales. She did indicate she might have to start making different items since she may have tapped out her market at that show. Another seller indicated she sold less than usual but was still happy with her sales - her price points were between cents and $30.
If accepted again, we will be back next year and hopefully the third time will be a charm.
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